The genetic factor in cervical spondylosis.

Lateral cervical spine radiographs of 23 pairs of twins were matched. There is a close similarity in the shape of the vertebrae of twins, particularly if monozygotic. It can also be shown that the degenerative changes in the cervical spines of twins follow a very similar pattern. The suggestion is made that the shape of individual vertebrae is of considerable significance in the development of the changes which are found with ageing, and that this similarity in shape explains the familial pattern of spondylosis.